A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Houston for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Houston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Houston can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Tulum travel costs.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Houston travel costs.

Tulum and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Houston are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Houston attracts visitors for its music and big city activities. Tulum is more touristy than Houston and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Tulum different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Houston?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tulum are among the most recognizable in the world. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Houston.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Houston has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Tulum just to party. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a city with good options for live music. However, Tulum is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Tulum for its luxury resorts. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Beaches?

Tulum is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Tulum offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Hiking?

Tulum is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Houston?

Tulum is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Tulum is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Tulum or Houston More Beautiful?

Tulum is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Houston are very good to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Houston is very family-friendly. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Couples?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Tulum is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Houston is a good town for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tulum is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a city with good options for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

Houston is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Tulum is not popular with students.

Is Tulum or Houston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tulum is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Tulum, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Tulum or Houston a more walkable city?

Tulum is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Houston is generally not a very walkable town. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Houston. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Houston. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tulum, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Houston. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Houston if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Houston?

In Tulum, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Houston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Houston?

In Tulum, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Houston?

Tulum is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tulum has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Houston. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Tulum. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Houston, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Tulum or Houston?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Houston. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Houston. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Houston. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Houston. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Tulum is much warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Houston. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Tulum is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Houston and Tulum